Annually, Sigma Tau Delta publishes two journals to distribute the best writing and criticism produced by active members of the Society.
Undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled through the spring semester and are members of active Sigma Tau Delta chapters are invited to submit their work to the Sigma Tau Delta Review and the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle. Chapter Advisors, faculty members, alumni, and honorary members are not eligible to submit.
Submissions for the Sigma Tau Delta journals are accepted via AwardSpring during the Spring Awards Cycle (March 10 – April 7, 2025, at 4 p.m. CT).
Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle (founded in 1931) is an annual journal of creative writing—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Submissions should not exceed 2,500 words. Members whose works are published also may participate in a reading at the annual Sigma Tau Delta convention.
Sigma Tau Delta Review (founded in 2005) is an annual journal that publishes critical essays on literature and rhetoric/composition and essays devoted to pedagogical topics. Submissions should not exceed 3,000 words, excluding notes and works cited. Critical essays follow the style guidelines as defined in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (latest edition).
Publication and Awards
These journals are refereed, with jurors from around the world selecting works to be published. The journals have had illustrious head judges including Jane Brox, Henri Cole, Jim Daniels, W.D. Earhardt, CJ Hribal, Kyoko Mori, Lisa Russ Spaar, and Mako Yoshikawa.
The Sigma Tau Delta journals are catalogued with the Library of Congress.
These publications reach chapters worldwide and also honor the best writing in each category, with five awards (each $500):
Award categories:
- E. Nelson James Poetry Award
- Eleanor B. North Poetry Award
- Frederic Fadner Critical Essay Award
- Herbert L. Hughes Short Story Award
- Elizabeth Holtze Creative Nonfiction Award
Claim your copy of the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Journals to read samples of the quality of work habitually accepted for publication.
Journal Submissions Q&A
Join us for an online Q&A session with Carie King, the Managing Editor of Society Publications, to ask any questions you have. The meeting link will be open on Monday, March 31, from 7 to 8 p.m. CT.
Resources
My Experience Being Published in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle
Submitting to the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle: You Can Now Call Me an Author
4 Tips for a Winning Submission from a Rectangle Contributor
Sigma Tau Delta Journals
Submission Guidelines
Submission Tips & FAQ
Claim Your Copy of the 2024 E-Journal
More from Footnotes: February 25, 2025
Sigma Tau Delta Webinars
Explore the New English Honor Societies Bookshop.org Page
Sigma Tau Delta Chapter Fundraising Week 2025
Apply for Spring Scholarships
Leadership Opportunities
Are there any opportunities for graduates or alumni ?
Hi. Do you have a journal that is open for Sigma members to submit to, whether or not they’re currently in school? Thanks.
Hi, Nathan. Unfortunately, these are the only journals sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, and you must be an active student member to submit.
Just would like to know if this chapter would be interested in knowing about the puzzle books that I put together and would like to speak about my other books I have written.
Hi! I wanted to reach out regarding this year’s (2020-2021) journal publication. The timeline for results shows as august 31 and I wanted to know if that would be updated anytime soon. Thanks so much!
Where am I supposed to submit my submission?
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